Consumer Products Must Be Labelled in English, FCCPC Warns Manufacturers, Others

Consumer products must be labelled in English, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned manufacturers, distributors and importers. The warning was issued by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the commission, Mr Tunji Bello, at an event to commemorate the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day in Abuja. Bello noted that the commission has encountered numerous products that do not meet basic safety and quality standards. Many of these products are labelled in languages other than English, which is the official language of Nigeria. The commission has made it clear that all consumer products in the country should be labelled in English to inform consumers effectively.

The warning comes at a time when product safety has become a major concern for the commission. Bello stated that product safety is a core obligation with clear public interest consequences. He noted that some of the failures in product safety arise from weak internal control, gaps in compliance culture, and deliberate disregard for legal and regulatory obligations. The commission has taken a strong stance on this issue, emphasizing that product safety cannot be treated as a secondary matter.

The FCCPC has also highlighted the need for citizens to be confident in the products they consume. Bello described the theme of the event, 'Safe Products, Confident Consumers,' as apt, as it captures the importance of product safety in maintaining market integrity, consumer confidence, and public welfare.

The FCCPC's warning to manufacturers, distributors, and importers to label consumer products in English is a crucial step towards protecting Nigerian consumers. The commission's Executive Vice-Chairman, Mr Tunji Bello, has made it clear that product safety is a core obligation with significant public interest consequences. The fact that many consumer products are labelled in languages other than English has led to a lack of transparency and accountability in the market. By labelling products in English, manufacturers can ensure that consumers are informed about the products they purchase, which can lead to increased consumer confidence and a stronger market. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) must also take a more proactive role in ensuring that products meet safety and quality standards.